Supernova explosion n angular momentum

In summary, a supernova explosion occurs when a massive star runs out of nuclear fuel and collapses, releasing a tremendous amount of energy and creating a shockwave. This explosion affects the star's angular momentum by increasing the core's rotational speed and decreasing the outer layers' momentum. Nearby objects can also be affected by the explosion's transfer of energy and matter, altering their rotation and angular momentum. The angular momentum of a supernova is crucial in determining whether the core collapses into a neutron star or a black hole. Scientists can measure the angular momentum of a supernova by studying the properties of the resulting neutron star or black hole, as well as observations of the explosion's aftermath.
  • #1
benitta
7
0
a planet moves around a star. (mass of planet << mass of star). the star undergoes a supernova explosion and loses 20% of its mass. the explosion does not directly affect the motion of the plant at that instant. how would this change the angular momentum of the planet ant the shape of its orbit. what would happen if it was in a circular orbit? what would happen if it was in an elliptical orbit?
 
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  • #2
could someone please help me out here... I'm preparin for an entrance exam
 
  • #3


I would like to first clarify that angular momentum is a property of a system that describes the rotational motion of an object around an axis. In the case of a planet orbiting a star, the angular momentum of the system is determined by the mass and velocity of the planet as it moves around the star.

In this scenario, if the star undergoes a supernova explosion and loses 20% of its mass, the angular momentum of the system would remain the same. This is because the explosion does not directly affect the motion of the planet at that instant, and the mass and velocity of the planet remain unchanged.

However, the shape of the orbit of the planet may be affected by the change in mass of the star. If the planet is in a circular orbit, the change in mass of the star would not significantly affect the shape of the orbit. This is because a circular orbit is determined by the balance between the gravitational force of the star and the centrifugal force of the planet, and the mass of the star does not directly affect this balance.

On the other hand, if the planet is in an elliptical orbit, the change in mass of the star could have a noticeable effect on the shape of the orbit. This is because an elliptical orbit is determined by the eccentricity of the orbit, which is affected by the mass of the star. A decrease in the mass of the star could result in a decrease in the eccentricity of the orbit, making it more circular.

In summary, the change in mass of the star due to a supernova explosion would not directly affect the angular momentum of the planet, but it could have an impact on the shape of its orbit, especially if the planet is in an elliptical orbit. Further research and calculations would be needed to accurately predict the exact changes in the orbit of the planet in this scenario.
 

1. What causes a supernova explosion?

A supernova explosion occurs when a massive star runs out of nuclear fuel and can no longer sustain its own weight. This causes the core of the star to collapse, leading to a massive explosion that releases a tremendous amount of energy and creates a shockwave that rips through the star's outer layers.

2. How does the explosion affect the star's angular momentum?

During a supernova explosion, the core of the star collapses and becomes incredibly dense, causing a rapid increase in its rotational speed and resulting in a significant increase in its angular momentum. The outer layers of the star, however, are blown away, decreasing the overall angular momentum of the star.

3. Can a supernova affect the angular momentum of nearby objects?

Yes, a supernova explosion can have a significant impact on the angular momentum of nearby objects. The explosion releases a large amount of energy and matter, which can collide with and transfer momentum to surrounding objects, altering their rotation and angular momentum.

4. How does the angular momentum of a supernova affect the formation of a neutron star or black hole?

The angular momentum of a supernova can play a crucial role in determining whether the core of the star collapses into a neutron star or a black hole. If the star's angular momentum is high enough, it can prevent the core from collapsing into a black hole, resulting in the formation of a rapidly spinning neutron star instead.

5. Can we measure the angular momentum of a supernova explosion?

Yes, scientists can measure the angular momentum of a supernova explosion by studying the properties of the resulting neutron star or black hole. They can also use observations of the explosion's aftermath, such as the distribution of matter and energy, to estimate the angular momentum of the original star before its collapse.

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